A Japanese sports car powered by the Wankel Rotary Engine. The RX-7 made it's way to the US in the model year 1979. There are 3 generations of RX-7 and 6 series.

First Generation Series 1 was 1979-1980 and came with standard 4 speed manual transmission with a 12a 1.2 litre engine boasting 100hp. Used a thermal reactor for emission control.

First Generation Series 2 ran from 1981-1983. Rear storage bins were added and the guage cluster and console were changed. The thermal reactor was replaced with 3 catalytic converters. Optional Limited Slip Differential.

First Generation Series 3 ran from 1984-1985. GSL-SE option came with a 6-port 13B EFI controlled engine with around 135hp.

Second Generation Series 4 ran from 1986-1988 with a redesigned body style. It came with a standard 6-port 13B with a higher 140hp partually due to an improved intake manifold. In 1987 the TurboII option was available which gave the car a turbocharged 13b producing 182hp. 1988 saw a convertable option.

Second Generation Series 5 ran from 1989-1991. The car had a few minor appearance tweaks (like new tailights). A new and much improved intake system and higher compression rotors (9.7:1) jumped the horsepower on the natrually aspirated RX-7s to 160 horsepower. The Turbo II models also got a horsepower boost to 200 horsepower thanks to a slightly larger turbo and higher compression ratio rotors (9.0:1).

Third Generation Series 6 ran from 1993-1995 and featured a new bodystyle. The engine got a new sequintial twin turbo setup which helped its 13b engine produce 255hp. This is the car that most people think of when someone says RX-7.

"I heard that Tony just bought a Mazda RX-7. Let's go try to get him to give us a ride."

"I'm taking my RX-7 to a local track day, does anyone have any tips ofr a novice?"

The finest automobile ever produced. It has a wenkel 13B twin-rotor engine that will match the power out put of any V-8. With the addition of the twin turbo option and a few minor engine mods(cold air induction and other simple up grades), the RX7 is virtually unbeatable.

Mustang/Camaro owner: "Wow, that RX7 has some really nice tail lights!"
Dickhole in a Honda: " Really? I only got to see them for a few seconds before he was too far ahead of me to tell!"

A rotary powered car prodcued by Mazda that many have under estimated. Known today for being a great track car, drift car, and having great styling. All 3 generations of the RX-7 have been successful, but the FD3S remains the true RX-7 and is as rare as finding a classic muscle car or a European super.

n. The Mazda RX-7 is a Japanese-make automobile which is powered by a "Rotary Engine". This Rotary engine was desgined by the Germans. It was originally designed to be a bolt-on supercharger for motorcycle engines. During experimentation, the engineers realized it could used as an engine. It consists of a circular crankcase that holds a crankshaft with a large triangular lobe. After much deliberation, the Germans decided the engine was underpowered and inferior to the standard engine and they sold the desgin to Mazda; the only company dumb enough to power their cars with a rotary engine. In the past many Mazda models have been powered with rotary engines but now only available in the RX series. The rotary engine is unrealiable, wears, and has bad mileage, and the new Mazda RX-8 is the only car I've heard of that produces UNDER the advertsied horsepower! (Not necessarily a good thing when it's the flagship vehicle of your brand...) But what do you expect when you try to power your sports car with a motorcycle supercharger?

Dick: "Wow, did you read the Car and Driver review for the mazda RX-8? They rave about it; but then again, they like any car if it's Japanese..."

Tom: "Yeah I was looking forward to the new RX too, but the Associated Press and Consumer Reports say it's underpowered. 15% weaker than advertised actually... Mazda even realeased a statement saying they will drop the price about $1000 to make up for the lack of performance."

Dick: "Wow. All that hype... only to crash and burn... and that was real big of them to drop teh price a WHOPPING $1000..."